COIMBATORE: J Gowthami, a policewoman with the Coimbatore city police, has clinched a gold medal in an 800-metre running event at the 65th National Inter-State Senior Athletics Championships, being held in Bhubaneswar from June 24 to June 28, and qualified for the upcoming Asian Games in Japan. She clocked 2.04 minutes to cross the finish line first and secured the gold medal. Gowthami (PC 1571), who is serving in the Coimbatore City Armed Reserve, achieved this feat representing the Tamil Nadu state athletics team. This victory has officially qualified Gowthami to represent the Indian athletics contingent at the 20th Asian Games, scheduled to be held in Nagoya, Japan, in Sept 2026.Talking to TOI, Gowthami said: “I am from an agricultural family in Krishnagiri and involved in athletics training from my school days. I secured a gold medal at the Junior National Championship held in 2016. I am working hard to represent our country and make our country proud. Like my parents and husband, higher officials in the department are very encouraging and supportive for me to achieve this level.”Coimbatore city police commissioner N Kannan congratulated Gowthami for bringing pride to the Tamil Nadu police department. The commissioner conveyed his best wishes for her upcoming campaign in Japan, expressing hope that she would continue her winning streak and bring further glory to both the state and the nation.
